Press Releases

Graves' Statement on GDP Report

Graves' Statement on GDP Report

House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) today issued the following statement in response to the report that the economy contracted at a rate of 0.1% during the fourth quarter of 2012:

“Is this stunt in economic growth really a surprise? Anti-growth policies and an anti-business White House produce just that – a lack of growth,” Graves said. “Policies matter. The first step on a path back from yearly trillion dollar deficits is spending restraint and policies that encourage robust business growth. We need to systematically look at finding ways to lower spending, simplify taxes and reduce regulations.

“This economic data follows a string of smallbusinesssurveys, this month, showing that small companies are in survival mode instead of innovation mode. After the weakest recovery since World War II, it’s time to recognize this administration’s anti-growth policies for what they are. Under mismanagement, we are turning into a debt-ridden, tax-hiking, regulation-burdened country. Instead of encouraging growth in 2013, costs from the health care law and the President’s new taxes and regulations will continue to pile up on the small businesses we need to create jobs. Will consumers and jobs creators continue to stand up under the weight of it all? The next generation is depending on us to have the vision and honesty to take on these widespread policy challenges.”